About Brownsea Open Air Theatre

One of the biggest theatrical projects in the south, the annual production is set on The National Trust's Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset. These beautiful surroundings make for a wonderful show, and a fantastic evening of traditional Shakespeare.

Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour

Since 1964 BOAT has involved over 1,400 volunteers, entertained 10’s of thousands of people and raised over £185,000 for the National Trust.

However, there is more to the B.O.A.T experience than just the performance. The short ferry journey from Poole Harbour really sets up the evening, and sailing back to shore at night under the stars is memorable. Patrons often go to the island using their ticket from 5:00pm and explore the island or picnic. The ticket is fully inclusive, so you don't need to pay anything else to enjoy this unique experience.

Enjoying a picnic on the island before moving into the auditorium

A project that takes many months to prepare each year, it is an experience that cast, crew and audience remember for a long time and relish to come back each year.

BOAT is a registered charity (no. 278003) which raises funds primarily for the National Trust and the Dorset Wildlife Trust. The company is professionally run, but all those involved with BOAT, whether onstage, backstage or front-of-house are unpaid volunteers.

Open air Shakespeare, enjoyed by thousands